Diagnostic method for detection of periodontitis or peri-implantitis

Abstract

The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for monitoring the course and treatment of periodontal disease or peri-implantitis wherein the detection comprises the steps of: (a) collecting a gingival crevicular fluid, peri-implant sucular fluid, saliva or mouthrinse sample;   (b) contacting said sample with at least one molecule which recognizes mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-13 in said sample; and   (c) detecting the presence of said mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-13, wherein an increased level of MMP-13 indicates periodontal disease or peri-implantitis.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one molecules recognizing MMP-13 is an antibody. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 2, wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 2, wherein the antibody is a fragment of a monclonal or polyclonal antibody. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein the molecule that recognizes MMP-13 is labeled with a label selected from the group consisting of direct and indirect labels. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1, wherein said mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-13 is a human matrix metalloproteinase-13. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1, which additionally comprises a molecule which recognizes mammalian matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8).